1. Lesson 1-2 Example 4 1-2 Solve. BIRDS A seagull was flying at 90 feet above sea level. It then dropped down 70 feet to look for food. At what height was the bird flying while looking for food? Understand Read the problem. Write what you know. The bird started flying at 90 feet then dropped down 70 feet.

2. Lesson 1-2 Example 4 1-2 Plan Pick a strategy. One strategy to use is to write an equation.

3. Lesson 1-2 Example 4 1-2 Solve Begin with the bird’s initial height. Then add an integer that represents how much the bird dropped to look for food. 90 + (–70) = h Simplify.20 = h Since the bird dropped in height, the integer will be negative. The variable will represent the final height of the bird’s flight.

4. Lesson 1-2 Example 4 1-2 Check You can draw a picture to check your work. The bird’s final height should be less than the initial height since it dropped during flight.